Medulla historiæ Anglicanæ being a comprehensive history of the lives and reigns of the monarchs of England from the time of the invasion thereof by Jvlivs Cæsar to this present year 1679 : with an abstract of the lives of the Roman emperors commanding in Britain, and the habits of the ancient Britains : to which is added a list of the names of the Honourable the House of Commons now sitting, and His Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council, &c.

HENRY V.

* 1.1HENRY of Monmouth whilst he was Prince, did many things very incongruous to the greatness of his birth, For he and his wild companions would way-lay and rob his Fathers and his own Receivers. And when one of his servants was arraigned at the Kings Bench bar for felony, this Prince hearing thereof, posted thither, commanding his Fetters to be struck off, and he set at liberty; and when the Judge opposed him therein, commanding him upon his Allegiance to cease from such riot, and keep the Kings peace, he in a rage ascended the Bench, and gave the Judge a blow on the face, who sate still undaunted, and boldly thus spake unto the Prince;

Sir, I pray remember your self. This seat which I here possess is not mine but your Fathers, to whom and to his Laws you owe double obedience. If his Highness and his Laws be thus violated by you, who should shew your self obedient to both, who will obey you, when you are a Soveraign, or minister execution to the Laws that you shall make? Wherefore for this default, in your Fathers name, I commit you prisoner to the Kings Bench, until his Ma∣jesties pleasure be further known.

With which words, the Prince abashed stood mute, laid by his weapons, and with obeysance done, went to the Prison.

Whilst the King his Father was crazie, and kept his Chamber, he through the Princes wild extravagances, and set on by some Court-whisperers, began both to withdraw his af∣fections, and to fear some violence against his own person from the Prince, which when young Henry understood, in a strange disguise he repaired to his Fathers Court, accom∣panied with many persons of Honour. His garment was a Gown of blew Satten wrought full of eye-let-holes, and at every eye-let the needle left hanging with the silk it was worked with. About his Arm he wore a Dogs Collar set full of S's of Gold, the Tirets thereof be∣ing most fine Gold. Being come to the Court, he charged his followers to advance no further than the fire in the Hall, whilst himself passed on to his Fathers presence, before whose feet he fell, confessing his youthful faults, and justifying his loyalty to his person; declaring himself to be so far from any disloyal attempt, that if he knew any person of whom his Father stood in any danger, or fear, his hand ac∣cording to duty, should be the first to free the King of suspition; yea, saith he, I will most gladly suffer death to ease your perplexed heart; and to that end I have this day prepared my self both by confession, and receiving the blessed Sacrament: Wherefore I humbly be∣seech your Grace to free your suspition from all fears conceived against me with this dag∣ger, the stab whereof I will willingly receive at your hands, and will clearly forgive my death. At which, the King melting into tears,

cast down the naked dagger (which the Prince had put into his hand) and raising his pro∣strate Son,* 1.2 embraced and kissed him, confessing that his ears had been over-credulous against him, which he promised they should never be in the future.

But notwithstanding this Prince's youthful exploits, yet when he had attained the Crown, to begin a good Government, he began at home, banishing from his Court those unruly youths that had been his consorts, command∣ing them either to change their manners, or never to approach within ten miles of his per∣son. And chose worthy men for his Council of Estate, advancing his Clergy with Power and dignity. So highly careful was he for the execution of Justice, that himself would every day after dinner for the space of an hour, receive Petitions of the oppressed, and with great equity would redress their wrongs. And so nearly did the death of King Richard touch his heart, that he sent to Rome to be Absolved from that guilt of his Fathers Act. In the first year of his Reign at a Parliament holden at Leicester was a Bill exhibited, wherein com∣plaint was made, That the temporal lands given to the Religious houses and spiritual persons for devotion sake, were either super∣fluous, or disorderly spent; Whose revenues (if better imployed) would serve for the de∣fence of the Land and Honour of the King; For the maintenance of fifteen Earls, 1500 Knights, 6200 Esquires, and 100 Almes-houses for the relief of diseased and impotent

people, and unto the Kings Coffers Twenty thousand pounds per Annum. By the Authority of this Parliament, an 110 Priories alien were suppressed, and their possessions given to the King and his successors for ever. But to divert those in Authority from such like proceedings, projects were put into the Kings head for re∣covery of France his rightful possession. Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury suggested that King Henry as the true Heir unto his Great-grand-Father Edward the third, was the true Heir to the Crown of France.

As for the Salique-Law alledged against the English claim, he affirmed, that that Text touched only those parts of Germany which lay betwixt the Rivers Elbe and Sala, conquered by Charles the Great, who placing the French there to inhabit, because of the dishonest lives of those German-women, made this Law, In terram Salicam mulieres ne succedant, which the gloss did falsely expound for the whole King∣dom of France, whose practise notwithstanding he shewed to be contrary, by many experiences both in King Pepin descended of Blithud daugh∣ter to Clothair the first, and by Hugh Capet as Heir to the Lady Lingard daughter to Charle∣main; so King Lewis called the Saint; and be∣sides, that this exclusion is contrary to the word of God, which alloweth women to succeed in their Fathers inheritance, Numb••. 27.

King Henry now sends a summons and de∣mand in the first place of his Dutchies of Nor∣mandy, Aquitain, Guyon and Anjou; to which

the Daulphin of France in derision sent him for a present a Tun of Paris Tennis-Balls; but the King returned for answer, That he would shortly send him London-Balls, which should shake Paris-walls. Whilst the English were making provision against the French, Sir Robert Humfreville gave the Scots a considerable de∣feat, which the French understanding, with also the great preparations that Henry of Eng∣land was making against them, they sent over Ambassadors, who at Winchester made offer of money and some Territories; also the Princess Katharine to be given in marriage to King Henry, so that he would conclude a peace; but it was answered, That without the delivery of the other Dominions belonging to the Kings Progenitors, no pacification was to be made. And when the Ambassadors had had their an∣swer given them, the King sent Antilop his Pursevant at Arms unto Charles King of France with Letters of defiance; next made Queen Joan his Mother-in-Law Regent of the Realm, then drew his Forces to Southampton, com∣manding his followers there to attend him on such a day.

The King of France on the other part makes all the preparation he could to defend himself, and to offend the King of England. To Grey a Privy-Councellor, Scroop Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Cambridge Son of Edmond Duke of York, he sent, 'tis said, a Million of Gold to betray King Henry into his hands, or else to murder him; but their Treason being disco∣vered, they received the just reward of Tray∣tors.

On the seventh of August, 1414, the King of England with 1500 sail took to the seas, attend∣ed with Thirty thousand Soldiers, besides Gun∣ners, Enginiers, Artificers, and Labourers, a great number. And the 15 day of the same Month he cast anchor in the mouth of Seyn, a∣bout three miles from Harflew; where landing his men, he fell devoutly on his knees, desiring Gods assistance to the gaining of his Right. Then made Proclamation, That on pain of death, Churches, Church-men, Women and Children, should be spared from all violence. And after due encouragement to his followers, he made Harflew the first essay of his Fortunes in France, it being a Port conveniently seated upon the mouth of the River Seyn, and a safe entrance in∣to his intended Conquest, as well for the land∣ing of men, as to hinder the passage unto Roan and Paris, both which received Traffique by the same River.

This town of Harflew was surrendred to King Henry, Septemb, 22. Into which when he first entred, he passed along the streets bare-footed until he came to the Church of St. Martin, where with great devotion he gave most hum∣ble thanks unto Almighty God for that his first atchieved Enterprize. When the King had con∣tinued at Harflew about fourteen days he mar∣ched with 2000 Horse, and 13000 Foot, through Caux and Eu, towards Callis; in which march the French used all their endeavours to enda∣mage him: for besides many skirmishes▪ they broke down the Bridges where he was to pass, plashed the woods, entrenched the ways, stuck

stakes in the Fords, and in places of advantage laid store of soldiers to impeach his passage; conveyed all victuals out of the Countreys through which he should go, and at Blanche∣tague where he purposed to have passed over the River Some, there the French had fortified a∣gainst him; for which cause he marched by Worms, with intent to have passed the River at Port le Remy; but finding that also guarded, he kept along the River to Hargest, the French Ar∣my marching on the other side. Therefore he still marched on by the River side, till he came to Bathen-Court, where he got over his feeble▪ and wearied Army, proceeding on his march till he came to Azin, or Agin-Court, which was upon Octob. 24, where the French in a field of advantage purposely chosen, had pitched their Banner-Royal, with an infinite Host, exceeding the English six times in number, some say ten times. King Henry now seeing himself so far engaged and many of his men sick of the flux, 'tis said he offered the surrender of Harflew, and what else he had won, and to make satisfaction for the harms done in France, so as he might have liberty safely to depart for Callis: to which the Constable and Marshal of France were willing; but the young Princes and No∣bles refused all conditions of Peace. And assu∣ring themselves of victory, they before-hand disposed of the English Prisoners, prepared a Chariot for the captive King, divided the prey, commanded the Bells to be rung in the adja∣cent Cities and Towns, and thanks to be given to God that had delivered the Enemy into such

a place of advantage: sent to King Henry to know what ransome he would give: sent for King Charles and the Daulphin to come in their persons to the battel, that so they might have the honour of the Victory. And so bold were the French upon their numbers and great strength, that they spent the night before the battel in Feasts, triumphs, and sports; but the English more wisely in preparing themselves for the fight. When morning was come, the French took the field, pressing who should be foremost to this easie (as they thought) Conquest. Against whom (their greatest strength consisting in Horse) King Henry commanded Two hundred strong Bow-men to lodg in a low Meadow, where a deep ditch full of water, might help to secure them from the Horse, and the bushes cover them from sight; having stakes also pre∣pared, and shod with iron at both ends, which they were appointed to stick slopewise in the ground▪ and to remove them upon occasion to guard them from the Horse. This done, King Henry ranged his Host, disposing it into three Battels, placing his Bow-men on both sides the Main, where the King rode himself richly ac∣coutred, before whom the Royal Standard was born, and many other Banners in Warlike or∣der. Both sides being in readiness, they a while stood facing one another. But the King of Eng∣land resolving to break his way through his E∣nemies to Callis, or else to dye, with a cheerful countenance, and words full of courage, he a∣nimated his followers to put forth their utmost powers, that after-ages might know what the

Lance, the Axe, the Sword, and the Bow, could do in the hands of the Valiant; and that who∣soever desired Riches, Honours, and Rewards, here they were to be had. Which words end∣ed, his Army fell prostrate on the ground, and committed themselves to God, every man ta∣king into his mouth a piece of earth in remem∣brance of his own mortality, or in lieu of the Sacrament: And then rising up, the King with cheerful countenance commanded his Standard to advance forward, saying, Because our injuri∣ous enemies do attempt to shut up our way, let us upon them in the name of the most Glorious Trinity, and in the best hour of the whole year. Sir Thomas Erpingham, an old experienced Soldier, with a Warder in his hand, led the way; who when he saw time, threw his Warder up into the air, whereat the whole Army gave a great shout, The French kept still their own ground; which the undaunted English perceiving, they advan∣ced towards them, giving another shout; when immediately the Archers laid in the Meadows, darkned the Air with a showr of Arrows, and the English Army fell on with admirable cou∣rage, the most of them also for nimbleness be∣ing but half cloathed, without hat, and bare-leg'd; so behaving themselves, that the French Vantguard was instantly distressed, and disor∣dered into such a confused press, that they were not able to use their Weapons at any advantage. Their Wings which assayed to charge upon the English, were broken, and forced back for safety to their Main Battel, where they bred both fear and confusion. And those French

Troops which pursued the Archers (who gave back as if forced to flye) came on with their Horses on the spur upon the jaws of destructi∣on: for falling by multitudes on those goring-stakes (left by the Archers on purpose) they were miserably overthrown and panched to death, the English still on all hands hotly pur∣suing their advantages. Against whom the Duke of Brabant advanced (hoping by his ex∣ample to encourage others) furiously breaking into the English Army, wherein manfully fight∣ing he was slain. With the like resolution Duke Alanzon pressed into the English Battalion where King Henry fought, and there had slain Hum∣phrey Duke of Glocester, had not the King come in to his rescue, between whom and Alanzon was a hard contest, Alanzon giving the King a slighty wound, and the King at length striking him down to the ground, whom the Soldiers in the heat of fight then slew, contrary to the Kings command. The French Reer-Guard seeing the disaster of their Van and Main Battel, to save themselves, ran away, leaving the English no more work to do. The number of prisoners taken by the English here was very great. But King Henry perceiving fresh troops of the King of Sicils to appear fresh in the field, and the same strong enough without any new rallied forces to encounter with his wearyed Souldiers, to the end therefore that he might not have at once prisoners to guard, and an enemy to fight, contrary to his generous nature, he commanded that every man should kill his prisoner, which was immediately done, cer∣tain

principal men excepted. Then by his Heralds he commanded those Troops either forthwith to come and fight with him, else to depart the field, either of which if they de∣layed he would revenge upon them without mercy. Whereupon they quit the field. When the fight was over and the field won, King Henry fell down upon his knees, and commanded his whole Army to do the same, saying that verse in the Psalm, Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the glory. And demand∣ing what was the name of the place, when it was answered him Agincourt, then to all poste∣rities following, saith he, shall this battel be called, the battel of Agincourt.

The spoil here taken in Armour, Jewels, and Apparel, was very great. Of the English were slain the Duke of York, the Earl of Suffolk, two Knights, David Gam Esquire, and twenty eight private Souldiers. Of the French were slain four thousand Princes, Nobles, Knights, and Esquires, and ten thousand common Soul∣diers. Prisoners of Account taken in the field were Charles Duke of Orleans, John Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Richmond, Louis de Bourbon, Count de Vendosme, the Earl of Eu, Edward de Rouen, with divers others. Just before this battel of Agincourt, when it was reported that the French forces were very numerous, Cap∣tain Gam resolutely said, That if there were so many, there were enough to be killed, enough to be taken prisoners, and enough to run away. The next day after this battel Great Henry marched towards Callis, and in the next

month following spread sails for England, and on November 23, in Triumph-wise he entred London, where he received the gratulations of his people. The City presented him a thou∣sand pound in Gold, and two golden Basons. After some time of refreshing the King called a Parliament to London, which granted him a Subsidy, and a Tenth for the carrying on of his Wars in France, which he graciously accep∣ted, though it was too short for the defraying so vast a charge.

Therefore to make it up, the King pawned his Crown to his Uncle Cardinal Beauford for a great Sum of Money, and certain Jewels to the Lord Mayor of London for ten thousand Marks. Then with an Army of 25527, Souldiers, every fourth being an Horse∣man, besides a thousand Carpenters and La∣bourers. Upon July 28, 1417, he took to the Seas; and August the first, arrived in Normandy to their great terror, many of the Inhabitants for fear flying into Britain. And as soon as on shore to encourage his followers, he dubbed 48▪ Knights, then laid siege against Conquest the strongest Castle in Normandy, which he took August the sixteenth. He took likewise the Castles of Aumbelliers and Lovers, the first of which he gave to his brother Clarence, the second to the Earl of Salisbury, and third to the Earl Marshal. Caen in Normandy the King took by force, giving the pillage thereof a∣mongst his Souldiers. Now whilst King Henry was busied in France, the Scots wrought what mischief they could against him at home,

entred England in an Hostile manner, bringing with them one whom they pretended to be King Richard the second, laid strait siege against Roxbrough, and Berwick, but upon the report of an Army of English coming against them, they broke up their sieges, and well was he that could first set foot in his own Country. In January the strong Town and Castle of Fal∣lors was delivered to the King, after which he divided his Army into several parts under the Conducts of the Dukes of Clarence and Glo∣cester, and Earl of Warwick, who took sundry garisons. The King the while besieged Roan, which after about a Twelve-months siege was delivered to him upon Terms, i. e. That the Burgesses should pay unto him three hundred fifty six thousand Crowns of Gold; Should swear faith and loyalty to him and his suc∣cessors, &c.

A. D. 1418. Immediately after the surrender of this, sundry other places of Note yielded themselves, wherein King Henry placed Ga∣risons. And now France trembling at the Eng∣lish successes and their own losses, sought a peace from King Henry, who yielded to a per∣sonal conference to be held at Melun, vvhi∣ther Charles the French King, his Queen Isabel, the Princess Katharine, Duke of Burgundy, Count of St. Paul, with a thousand Horse, came first; then King Henry, his brothers of Clarence and Glocester attended likewise with a thou∣sand Horse, met them. When much conference passed, but nothing was concluded, which did not well please the King of England: wherefore

ready to depart, he thus spoke to Burgundy. Cousin, I may not well digest this refusal; but be ye assured, that either I will have your Kings daughter, and all my demands, or else I will banish both you and them out of France. You may speak your pleasure, answered the Duke; but before you shall thrust us out of France, you shall be weary of the enterprize. The Treaty thus broke, Burgundy reconciled himself with the Daulphin, and Henry dis∣pleased herewith, prosecuted the War more sharply, set upon Ponthois the last of July, and in few hours gained the Town, wherein great spoils fell to the Souldiers shares. The news of this made King Charles to remove his Court from Paris to Troys in Champagne, whilst Henry went forward with his intended enterprizes, he and his Generals winning many strong-holds. And to make the more way for the English suc∣cesses, the Daulphin and his Mother the Queen fell at great variance, when the Queen by the procurement of Burgundy (the King being very infirm) was made Regent of France, whose female authority, and the hatred to her own Son the Daulphin, did not a little prejudice the Crown of France. And to the greater advantage of the English the Daulphin killed the Duke of Burgundy, whereupon the Queen and young Duke of Burgundy perswaded King Charles to disinherit the Daulphin his Son, and to give the Lady Katharine in marriage unto the King of England, which accordingly was done, and a peace was concluded betwixt the two Kings of England and France. The prime

Articles of the peace were these, That Charles and Isabel should retain the name of King and Queen, and should hold all their dignities, rents and possessions during their natural lives. That after the death of Charles the present King of France, the Crown and Realm of France, should with all rights and appurte∣nances remain unto the King of England, and his Heirs for ever. That because of King Charles his infirmness and incapacity to dispose the affairs of the Realm of France, therefore during his life the government thereof should be and abide to King Henry; so that thence∣forth he should govern the Realm, and admit to his Councel and Assistance with the Councel of France, such of the English Nobility as he should think fit, &c.

The Number of Articles were thirty three, which were sworn unto at Troyes, May 30, 1420, the same being proclaimed in London, the 20 of June following. These Articles were concluded betwixt the two Kings in the presence of divers of the chief Nobility both of England and France, homage being sworn unto King Henry, and he proclaimed Regent of France. And on the third of June the marriage of Henry and Katharine was with all pompous solemnity celebrated at Troyes, the Bishop of that See performing the ceremonies. From Troyes the King of England and his Queen rode to Paris, where great entertainment was g••ven; and the more to weaken the Daulphins interest, a Parliament of the three Estates was assembled in Paris, where the disinherison of

the Daulphin was confirmed. In this Parlia∣ment was also the final accord betwixt the two Kings acknowledged by the French King, as made by his free consent and liking, and with advice of the Councel of France; where∣upon it was likewise there ratified by the Ge∣neral States of that Realm, and sworn unto particularly upon the Holy Evangelists by the French Nobles and Rulers spiritual and secular, who also set their Seals to the Instruments thereof. Which Instruments were sent into England to be kept in the Kings Exchequer at Westminster. Things now setled in France as well as that unsetled time would permit, King Henry leaves the Duke of Clarence to be his Lieutenant there, and hasts for England with his Queen, whom he caused to be Crowned at Westminster in little time after their arrival in England. Then called a Parliament in order to the raising of moneys for the continuing of the Conquest in France; but some men minding more their private interest than the publique, instead of being free thereto to contribute, they petitioned the King to commiserate the poverty of the Commons, which, as they pleaded, were beggered by the Wars: where∣fore without further pressing for any aid the King again pawned his Crown to his rich Uncle Cardinal Beauford for twenty thousand pounds, and then returned into France with four thousand Horse and 24 thousand Foot. And time it was, for the Daulphins party was grown considerably strong by Aids sent from Scotland, under the conduct of the Earl of

Bucquhanan and Archibald Douglas, who had given a defeat to a party of the English, therein killing the valiant Duke of Clarence, and taking prisoners the Earls of Huntingdon and Somerset, and Thomas Beaufort. After which the Daulphinois had laid siege to Alenzon, and straitned the City of Paris, by withholding provisions from it; but when victorious Henry appeared, the enemy betook them to their strong-holds, many of which he gained in short time.

A. D. 1421, and Decemb. the sixth, whilst King Henry lay before Meaux, news was brought him that his Queen at the Castle of Windsor was delivered of a Son, at which he exceedingly rejoyced, yet said, he liked not the place of her delivery, having before com∣manded that she should not be delivered there, and withal predicted that what Henry of Mon∣mouth should gain, Henry of Windsor should lose.

A. D. 1422, Queen Katharine passed beyond the Seas to the King into France, and there in the Loure King Henry and his Queen Katharine at the Festival of Pentecost sate in their Royal Robes, with their Imperial Crowns on their heads, and kept there Court with great con∣fluence of people. But shortly after, this re∣nowned Prince fell sick of a burning Fever and Flux, whereof he dyed, August 31. 1422. His bowels were buried at St. Mauro de Fosses, his body at Westminster, next beneath the Tomb of Edward the Confessor. Upon his Tomb Queen Katharine caused a Royal Picture to be laid,

covered all over with Silver-Plate gilt, the head whereof was wholly of massy Silver. All which at the Abbies suppression was sacri∣legiously broken off and taken away. His Issue was only Henry of Windsor. Tis said of him▪ That he was a Prince godly in heart, sober in speech, sparing of words, resolute in deeds, provident in Councel, prudent in judgment, modest in countenance, magnani∣mous in action, constant in undertaking, a great Alms-giver, devout to Godward, a re∣nowned Souldier, fortunate in field, from whence he never returned without Victory. He erected the Monasteries of Bethlem and Briget near unto Richmond, gave Princely gifts to the Church of Westminster and Brother-hood of St. Giles without Cripple-gate-London. He first instituted Garter principal King at Arms, besides other augmentations to the Order of St George.

A. D. 1414, Sigismond the Emperour came into England, desiring to make peace betwixt the two Nations of France and England, but when that could not be effected he entred into a League with the English himself. Sir Roger Acton, Beverly, Murley and some others were strangled and burned for an unlawful meeting in St. Giles-fields. A. D. 1417. Sir John Old∣castle, Lord Cob••am, was adjudged as a Traytor to the King and Realm, to be drawn through the streets to St. Giles-fields by London, and there to be hang'd and burnt.

Three Popes were now at once mounted into St. Peters Chair, namely Benedict, Gregory and

John, therefore for preventions of mischief to the Church by this Schisme, a Councel was held at Constance in Germany, whither King Henry sent nine English Prelates, one of which, to wit, Richard Clifford Bishop of London, was the first nominated by the Councel to be Pope, and he first nominated him that succeeded, which was Otho Collonna, by the name of Martin the fifth. In the third year of this Kings reign, and on Candlemas day, seven Dolphins came up the River Thames, four of which were taken.

An Act made in Parliament holden at Lei∣cester, That such who maintained Wickliffes doctrine were Hereticks and Traytors, and to be hanged and burned. By which Law Sir Roger Acton, with divers others, as also the Lord Cobham, were put to death.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

• Sir VVilliam Cromar was Mayor.
• John Sutton, John Michael, Sheriffs▪

In his second Year,

• Sir Thomas Falconer was Mayor.
• John Michael, Thomas Allen, Sheriffs.

In his third Year.

• Sir Nicholas Wotton was Mayor.
• VVilliam Cambridge, Alan Everard, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

• Sir Henry Barton was Mayor.
• Richard Whittington, John Coventry, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

• Richard Marlow was Mayor.
• Henry Read, John Gedney, Sheriffs▪

In his sixth Year,

• VVilliam Sevenoke was Mayor.
• John Brian, John Barton, John Parvess, Sheriffs▪

In his seventh Year,

• Sir Richard Whittington was Mayor.
• Robert Whittington, John Butler, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

• William Cambridge was Mayor.
• John Butler, John Wells, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

• Sir Robert Chichely was Mayor.
• Richard Gosseline, William VVeston, Sheriffs.

Notes

• * 1.1

  A. D. 1413
• * 1.2

  Henry Chicheley. A. B. Cant.